SE-Assignment-5

Installation and Navigation of Visual Studio Code (VS Code) Instructions: Answer the following questions based on your understanding of the installation and navigation of Visual Studio Code (VS Code). Provide detailed explanations and examples where appropriate.

Questions:

1. Installation of VS Code: Describe the steps to download and install Visual Studio Code on Windows 11 operating system. Include any prerequisites that might be needed.

   1. Download the VS Code installer for Windows from the official VS Code download page.
   2. Run the downloaded installer (VSCodeUserSetup-{version}.exe).
   3. Accept the license agreement and click "Next" throughout the installation wizard. You can choose the installation location if you want to install it somewhere other than the default location.
   4. Click "Install" and wait for the installation to complete.

2. First-time Setup:

   • After installing VS Code, what initial configurations and settings should be adjusted for an optimal coding environment? Mention any important settings or extensions.

     Language-Specific Extensions Python: Microsoft’s Python extension. JavaScript/TypeScript: ESLint, Prettier - Code formatter. TML/CSS: HTML Snippets, CSS Peek. C++: C/C++ by Microsoft. Java: Java Extension Pack by Microsoft.

3. User Interface Overview:

   • Explain the main components of the VS Code user interface. Identify and describe the purpose of the Activity Bar, Side Bar, Editor Group, and Status Bar.

     1. Activity Bar: Quick navigation to various functional views like Explorer, Search, Source Control, Run and Debug, and Extensions.
     2. Side Bar: Displays detailed content and options related to the selected Activity Bar view, such as file management, search results, source control details, debugging information, and extensions.
     3. Editor Group: The primary area for coding, offering tabbed and split-view editing.
     4. Status Bar: Provides contextual information about the current file and editor status, offering quick access to essential settings and notifications.

4. Command Palette:

   • What is the Command Palette in VS Code, and how can it be accessed? Provide examples of common tasks that can be performed using the Command Palette. The Command Palette in VS Code is a powerful tool that lets you access all functionalities and settings, regardless of location within the interface. It acts like a central hub for all VS Code features.

     To access Command Pallet go to the menu bar: View > Command Palette.

   Tasks performed ussing command palette Open any file or folder: Start typing the file name and select it from the suggestions. Search for symbols: Find functions, variables, or other code elements quickly. Run code formatters: Reformat your code according to style guidelines. Install extensions: Discover and install new functionalities for VS Code.

5. Extensions in VS Code:

   • Discuss the role of extensions in VS Code. How can users find, install, and manage extensions? Provide examples of essential extensions for web development. Role of Extensions in VS Code Finding extensions Installing extensions Managing extensions

   Essential Extensions for Web Development HTML, CSS, and JavaScript linters Version control Live server Debbugger

6. Integrated Terminal:

   • Describe how to open and use the integrated terminal in VS Code. What are the advantages of using the integrated terminal compared to an external terminal?

     Opening the Integrated Terminal: Use Ctrl+ (backtick), the menu (View > Terminal), or the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P > Terminal: Create New Integrated Terminal).

   Advantages Convenience and Integration: No need to switch between the editor and an external terminal. Unified Environment: Keeps all development activities within one window. Project Context Awareness: Automatically set up in the context of the current workspace. Customization and Configuration: Supports various shells and is configurable. Accessibility: Easily toggle, resize, and split the terminal panel. Synchronization with Editor: Interacts with extensions and tools for enhanced functionality. Consistency Across Platforms: Provides a uniform experience on different operating systems.

7. File and Folder Management:

   • Explain how to create, open, and manage files and folders in VS Code. How can users navigate between different files and directories efficiently? How to create files and folders. On the left-hand side panel lets you browse existing folders and files in your project. You can right-click on folders or files to create new ones, delete them, or rename them. To open a file, click on the file in the Explorer view to open it in the editor.

8. Settings and Preferences:

   • Where can users find and customize settings in VS Code? Provide examples of how to change the theme, font size, and keybindings. To access the customization setting, click on the gear icon in the bottom left corner and select "Settings > Workbench > Appearance. Examples of Customization:

     Themes: Change the overall look and feel of VS Code. You can choose from built-in themes or download new ones. Font Size: Adjust the font size in the editor and other UI elements for better readability. You can find these settings under "Font Size" in the settings search bar. Keyboard Shortcuts: Modify keyboard shortcuts to suit your preferences. VS Code allows you to customize shortcuts for various actions. Search for "Keyboard Shortcuts" in the settings to explore these options.

9. Debugging in VS Code:

   • Outline the steps to set up and start debugging a simple program in VS Code. What are some key debugging features available in VS Code? Make sure your program is saved since debugging requires a saved file for VS Code to analyze. Set breakpoints: These are points in your code where execution will pause, allowing you to inspect variables and the program state. Click on the line number next to the line of code where you want to pause. Start Debugging: Go to the Run and Debug view (Ctrl+Shift+D or Cmd+Shift+D). Click the green "Run and Debug" button or press F5.

     Key Debugging Features in VS Code Stepping: Execute your code line by line or step into functions to see how variables change. Breakpoints: Pause execution at specific points and examine variable values. Call Stack: See the function call hierarchy, allowing you to navigate through the code's execution path. Watch Window: Monitor the values of specific variables during execution to identify changes that might cause errors

10. Using Source Control:

    • How can users integrate Git with VS Code for version control? Describe the process of initializing a repository, making commits, and pushing changes to GitHub.

      Integrating Git with VS Code for Version Control

      1. Initialize a Repository:

      Open your project folder in VS Code. Click on the Source Control icon (gear symbol) in the Activity bar and select "Initialize Repository". This creates a new Git repository in your project folder. 2. Making Commits:

      Make changes to your code. Stage changes you want to include in your next commit using the Source Control view (blue checkmark icon) or right-click on files and select "Stage Changes". Type a descriptive commit message summarizing your changes. Commit your staged changes (green checkmark icon). 3. Pushing Changes to GitHub:

      You'll need a GitHub account and a remote repository set up.

      References

      Source Control with Git in Visual Studio Code https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/sourcecontrol/overview Using Git with VS Code. https://www.gitkraken.com/blog/vs-code-git Debugging in Visual Studio Code. https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/editor/debugging VS Code: Working with Folders, Files, & the Sidebar. https://www.nobledesktop.com/learn/visual-studio-code/topic-2a-vs-code-working-with-folders-files-the-sidebar

Submission Guidelines:

• Your answers should be well-structured, concise, and to the point.
• Provide screenshots or step-by-step instructions where applicable.
• Cite any references or sources you use in your answers.
• Submit your completed assignment by 1st July